My first Paris Christmas experience was November, 2008. I was in awe of the gorgeous tree and the enormous balls hanging from the dome. The looked like red silk. I have seen many Galeries Lafayette Christmas decorations over the years since, but this was by far my favorite.
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When Noël comes to Paris, the first place to check is Galeries Lafayette. Some years are more spectacular than others and I think this year's upside down fabulous tree is one of the best I've seen.
It's official, Christmas in Paris has arrived on this blog. I can't promise it will appear here every day but we'll sprinkle the photographs around. Today, one of the beautiful trees that flanked the front of the Hôtel de Ville last year.
Joyeux Noël to each and everyone of my dear readers near and far. You have all touched my life in so many wonderful ways. My hope for the new year is that we will meet in person one day.
I am a former elementary school teacher, a full-time photographer, lover of all things French ( whose French is slowly improving), obsessive Paris traveler, enthusiastic church and community volunteer, and grandmother to 5 delightful grandchildren.
I fell in love with Paris in March 2007. It was as the French say, le coup de foudre : love at first sight. As a result of that trip, my photography took another direction. Since that time I have pursued a career of sorts in photography and dreamed of returning to the City of Light. November 2008 found me strolling the streets of Paris once again. My first visit I was so overwhelmed with the incredible beauty of the city, I photographed it as a "tourist". In 2008 I returned and I looked at the city with more of a photographer's eye. I wanted to capture the unique, the small details, and oh yes - the people! This blog was started as a photo diary of that trip, but I have been most fortunate to return to the city j'adore 15 times since. Each time I leave, I wipe a tear and start planning my list for the next trip. Paris may well be a moveable feast, but I think it's best savored in person! Someone told me that once you have been to Paris, you will leave a piece of your heart. I left mine right there, but I brought home some wonderful memories. It is my pleasure to share them with you.